BC – Western Economic Diversification Canada has announced $2,544,057 in funding for five projects through Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada’s Strategic Partnerships Initiative (SPI) to support educational and economic opportunities for First Nation communities in British Columbia.
“The Cultural Employment Strategy project has been an exciting project for the Treaty 8 Tribal Association,” says Diane Abel, Director of Administration, Treaty 8 Tribal Association. “It was designed to support our Nations in generating employment and entrepreneurial incomes based on existing cultural knowledge and skills. I’m thrilled that this project has been a strong partnership between governments, industry and First Nation communities. Together these partners will make the Cultural Employment Strategy a success and strengthen our relationships”
The Strategic Partnerships Initiative is an innovative program designed to increase Aboriginal participation in complex economic development opportunities, particularly in the natural resource sectors where projects are emerging at an unprecedented rate across the country. Before the SPI, funding decisions were typically made individually by federal departments and agencies and in isolation of a broader strategy.
“In a knowledge-based economy and increasingly connected world, the Technology Council is taking an innovative approach to creating online spaces that improve access to knowledge and the ability of nations to share resources and opportunities,” says Denise Williams, Executive Director, First Nations Technology Council. “As core to the Technology Council’s mandate from BC’s First Nation communities, we are continuing to develop and deploy technology driven solutions that provide real value.”
Quick Facts
- The First Nations Technology Council is an enterprising non-profit, mandated by BC’s 203 First Nations communities to advance full utilization of connected and digital technologies. Members include, the Prince George Aboriginal Business Development Association, Prince George Nechako Aboriginal Employment and Training Association, Gitxsan Development Corporation, as well as the six communities identified below.
- The six Indigenous communities that make up the Treaty 8 Tribal Association include: Doig River First Nation, Halfway River First Nation, Prophet River First Nation, Saulteau First Nations, West Moberly First Nation and Fort Nelson First Nation.
